Gigantamax Kingler Counters: Top Strategies and Tips

As a formidable 6-Star Raid boss debuting in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler challenges Trainers to deploy counters with meticulously selected movesets that target its unique vulnerabilities. This giant evolution of Krabby, the first Gigantamax boss since Lapras, will demand a formidable raid party to conquer it during its Max Battle Day on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM local time.

Gigantamax Kingler Weaknesses & Resistances in Pokemon GO

As a pure Water-type, mirroring its base form in *Pokemon GO*, Gigantamax Kingler is susceptible only to Grass- and Electric-type attacks, each delivering 160% super-effective damage. Conversely, it boasts resistance to Fire-, Water-, Steel-, and Ice-type moves, which only cause 39% damage. Trainers should steer clear of these types to maximize their effectiveness in battle.

Best Counters Against Gigantamax Kingler in Pokemon GO

Image via Niantic/The Pokemon Company To successfully defeat Gigantamax Kingler, Trainers must employ Electric- and non-pure Grass-type counters such as **Venusaur, Ivysaur, and Zapdos**. In Max Battles, only Dynamax- or Gigantamax-capable Pokemon can be used, narrowing down the options, yet there are still several reliable choices:

While other counters like the Grass-type Rillaboom are viable, Gigantamax Kingler's potential moveset, including Bubble, Mud Shot, Metal Claw, Vise Grip, Water Pulse, Crabhammer, Razor Shell, and the Bug-type X-Scissor, poses a threat to pure Grass-types. Fortunately, Venusaur and Ivysaur's Poison typing neutralizes the impact of X-Scissor. Similarly, Zapdos's Flying type mitigates the risk from Ground-type Mud Shot, which would otherwise be super-effective against Electric types like Toxitricity.

Prioritizing counters that benefit from a 20% STAB (same-type attack bonus) is advisable. However, non-matching types like Greedent, Dubwool, and Cryogonal, capable of learning Grass- or Electric-type moves, serve as excellent backups, taking only neutral damage from Gigantamax Kingler's attacks. In a pinch, neutral tanks such as Blastoise or Lapras can also be used as sturdy defenders.

Related: Pokémon GO Shadow Regirock Raid Guide: Best Counters, Tips, and Tricks

Can Gigantamax Kingler be Shiny?

Yes, Gigantamax Kingler can appear in its Shiny form in *Pokemon GO*, as confirmed by the game's announcement for its Max Battle Day event. Defeating Gigantamax Kingler offers a chance to encounter and catch a Shiny variant, though the odds are not high. While not officially confirmed, the probability of encountering a Shiny Gigantamax is believed to be 1 in 20, akin to the odds for 5-Star Raid bosses.

Don’t Forget Max Mushrooms

If your raid party struggles against Gigantamax Kingler, consider using Max Mushrooms, available for purchase in *Pokemon GO*. For 30 seconds, these mushrooms double the damage output of your Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, though they come at a steep price of 400 PokeCoins each. When used strategically, Max Mushrooms can significantly shift the battle in your favor.

Now equipped with the knowledge of how to defeat Gigantamax Kingler using the best counters during its Max Battle Day, be sure to check out the *Pokemon GO* event schedule for more exciting events throughout February.